what parts do i need for my ar stock

AR-15 Parts List

• Stripped Lower
• Lower Parts Kit
• Trigger (If not using parts kit trigger)
• Buffer Kit (Buffer, buffer tube, buffer spring)
• Stock
• Pistol Grip
• Stripped or Assembled Upper
• Forward Assist (If using a Stripped Upper)
• Dust Cover (If using Stripped Upper)
• Barrel
• Handguard
• Gas Tube
• Gas Block
• Bolt Carrier Group
• Charging Handle
• Muzzle Device

Full Answer

What kind of stock do I need for my AR rifle?

There are four “classes” of stocks for AR-type rifles, so you need to make sure that the stock mounting parts (receiver extension tube, recoil spring, and buffer) are compatible with the butt stock you want to use.

What are the parts list for AR-15?

AR-15 Parts List 1 Stripped Lower 2 Lower Parts Kit 3 Trigger (If not using parts kit trigger) 4 Buffer Kit (Buffer, buffer tube, buffer spring) 5 Stock 6 Pistol Grip 7 Stripped or Assembled Upper 8 Forward Assist (If using a Stripped Upper) 9 Dust Cover (If using Stripped Upper) 10 Barrel More items...

What parts do I need to mount a butt stock?

To mount the stock, you’ll need to make sure you have the receiver extension (buffer) tube, buffer, recoil spring, receiver plate and locking ring installed. Read on to make sure that these parts, sometimes known as the mounting kit, are compatible with your butt stock of choice.

What is an AR-15 stock kit?

AR-15 stocks are available in a variety of configurations, from the bare bones Battle Arms Development Lightweight Buttstock, which mounts to a Mil-Spec buffer tube without much preamble, to “complete” AR stock kits. Complete AR-15 stock kits are proprietary groups which only allow the AR-15 system to function properly when assembled with ...

What parts you need to build AR?

All Parts Needed to Build an AR-15Charging handle (can be purchased as a complete kit) ... Forward assist (if including one; can be purchased as a complete kit) ... Ejection port cover/dust cover (can be purchased as a complete kit) ... Barrel assembly. ... Bolt carrier group (can be purchased complete) ... Lower receiver (stripped)

How many parts do I need to build an AR-15?

31 different partsTo assemble the AR-15 stripped lower, you will need 31 different parts, including the trigger, bolt catch, springs, pivot and takedown down pins, selector switch and hammer. The most convenient way to get all of these parts is by purchasing a full AR-15 lower parts kit.

Is it cheaper to build your own AR or buy one?

Whether you are buying or building an AR-15, you can expect to spend several hundred to over a thousand dollars on your AR-15. Initially, purchasing an AR-15 in one piece may be cheaper to start with than building one.

What is the most important part of an AR-15 Build?

Trigger. One of the most important things on the lower AR 15 parts list is the trigger. More than 8 million AR 15s, and guns alike, are in circulation in the United States. Depending on the trigger that you choose, you can customize yours so that it is unique from the rest.

What caliber can you make an AR-15?

The AR-15 rifles usually comes chambered for either the military cartridge 5.56×45mm or the . 223 Remington. Because of the pressures associated with the 5.56×45mm, it is not advisable to fire 5.56×45mm rounds in an AR-15 marked as . 223 Rem, since this can result in damage to the rifle or injury to the shooter.

What is the bolt catch in AR-15?

The function of the bolt catch is to stop the bolt's travel when pushed upward by the follower of an empty magazine. This enables the bolt to be locked to the rear after expending a magazine so that a new one can be inserted and the bolt catch slammed home to re-engage your target.

How long does it take to build an AR-15?

about three hoursAn AR-15 rifle, once you have all the parts and step-by-step instructions, will come together in about three hours. Start Saturday morning and by Saturday evening, you're at the range. That is not much time difference between buying one already built and putting it together yourself.

Do you save money building your own AR-15?

For the most part, you will save money if you choose to build your own AR by either acquiring individual parts or purchasing a build kit. Of course, costs will increase in accordance to the value. So, spending $500 may build you a $600 AR.

What parts break on an AR-15?

Let's explore some of the parts that are likely to wear out on your AR-15 first.Gas Tube Components. Your gas tube is one of the hardest working parts of your AR. ... The Bolt. ... Bolt Gas Rings. ... The Firing Pin. ... Extractors.

What does a complete upper consist of?

A completed upper will come with the ejection port door and the forward assist button installed. You will also see “complete upper assemblies”, which include the complete upper along with the charging handle, barrel, handguard, and possibly the bolt carrier group.

Are all AR-15 parts interchangeable?

Muzzle device: Since AR-10 and AR-15 are chambered in different calibers, most muzzle devices are not interchangeable, except if your AR-15 is chambered in 300 Blackout, then you might be able to use AR-10 muzzle devices.

What is the butt stock on an AR-15?

In the simplest terms, the butt stock is the part of your AR-15 that connects to the rifle’s firing mechanisms.

What is the most important part of a rifle?

Barrel - When it comes to ensuring the best possible shooting experience, the barrel of your rifle might be the most important part of your upper receiver. After all, your barrel will play a huge role in your accuracy on the range or in the field. Barrels come in a variety of lengths and weights based on your needs.

How does gas work in a rifle?

After you fire your rifle, gas moves behind the bullet that’s leaving the barrel and moves through the gas port. It then goes inside the gas block, down the gas tube and leaves through the bolt carrier’s gas key. There are four different types of gas lengths: rifle-length, mid-length, carbine-length and pistol-length.

How long is a barrel on an AR-15?

But there are couple ways to have a barrel that is shorter than 16 inches on your AR-15 without any paperwork.

What does it mean when your AR-15 has a flash hider?

Flash hiders - Gunpowder combusts when you fire your AR-15, and there’s a flash of light that results as the bullet leaves the barrel. This occurrence, referred to as muzzle flash, can give away your position. It can also block your line of sight, causing you to lose focus while decreasing your accuracy.

Why do you need a buffer on a rifle?

Buffer tubes house both the buffer and the buffer spring. Together, these components slow down the faster parts of your rifle’s action , protecting both themselves and the frame.

What to do if an AR-15 doesn't fire?

If a round doesn’t fire as it should, you can simply pull on the charging handle to release the faulty shell and reload a new one. A charging handle also lets you load the first round of a new magazine if the bolt is closed. When you fire your AR-15, the charging handle remains stationary.

What is the best thing to do to improve your knowledge as a shooter?

Building a rifle is one of the best things you can do to improve your knowledge as a shooter, and it means you end up with a rifle that’s uniquely yours. AR-15 Parts List (Lower) What’s the most important thing to have when you’re building your rifle ?

Do you need an upper for cleaning an AR?

Realistically, especially if you’re cleaning your AR the way you should be, you’ll never need one, and I’d be fine running an upper that doesn’t have a slot for one. You may feel differently, and that’s fine.

Can you use an adjustable gas block on a rifle?

Get something that matches your purpose. I’d recommend an adjustable gas block for all rifles if you have the money though, as it’ll let you fine-tune your gas system to minimize recoil.

What is the most important thing to address when building an AR-15?

One of the most important things the AR-15 builder or owner needs to address is basic fitment. There are two general types of AR collapsible stock. You may choose to work with an Mil-Spec AR-15 collapsible stock or with commercial AR-15 stock. What concerns the armorer when fitting a stock is the size and end shape of the buffer tube.

What do you like about AR-15?

No matter what anyone says is better, faster, lighter, stronger or looks meaner, in the end, you know what you like. You know what it feels like when everything’s right. You’re the one who is holding the AR-15 that is meant for you, that’s part of you. Choose wisely, shoot straight.

Do you need a sling to carry a rifle?

If you carry your rifle much, the attachment of a sling will be an option that concerns you. Frequently a sling is needed to carry a firearm, but may not be desirable once you’ve reached your ultimate position. In that case, quick detach appointments may be just what the doctor ordered.

Is an AR-15 buttstock a competition?

A practical home defense rifle will have totally different requirements from a competition rifle. When specifically addressing the AR-15 Buttstock as a feature of a home defense rifle, shooters finds that the ideal is very different from that of the competition AR-15 Buttstock.

Is it legal to use an AR-15?

Be sure that it is legal for you to use the length and type of AR-15 stock that you are considering. In some places, the use of an AR-15 collapsible stock may be illegal and subject you to criminal penalty and your firearm to seizure.

What are the parts of an AR-15?

The AR-15, regardless of configuration or caliber, can be separated into two major components: The upper receiver assembly, and the lower receiver assembly. You'll need to do some assembly and fitting with parts on the lower receiver, but let's break down all the parts contained in each half, first:

What is the most important part of an AR?

The barrel is arguably the most important part of your AR build. The barrel determines how accurate your gun is, how far you can shoot, and what rounds you're shooting. You need to consider material (type of steel), finish (the type of coating or treatment), lining (chrome-lined or not), length (which handles velocity), and twist rate (determines what type of rounds you're going to shoot).

What is the best barrel for an AR-15?

Most AR-15 barrels are made from three types of gun steel: 4140 Chromoly, 4150 Chromoly Vanadium (CMV), or 416R stainless steel. The most popular and common barrel choice is 4150 CMV. These barrels most closely match the "mil-spec" requirements of the barrels found in service-issued military rifles. 416R stainless barrels are considered the most accurate. 4140 Chromoly barrels perform admirably for most shooters, and they'll save you some cash.

What is the best lining for a barrel?

Some barrels have their rifling lined with chrome to increase barrel life and to help protect against heat. Melonite is an alternative to chrome- lining and it generally provides better accuracy. Chrome-lining can diminish barrel accuracy slightly but it greatly increases barrel performance, especially with rapid-fire.

How does an AR-15 work?

This process involves sending excess gas through the barrel, down a gas tube, and back into the upper receiver. The gas is forced into a key atop the bolt carrier group, forcing it backwards. As the BCG rides back, the spent cartridge is ejected and a new round is chambered and ready to fire.

What is the finish on a stainless steel barrel?

These coatings create a matte black finish over the barrel and rifling, protecting it from rust and corrosion. Stainless barrels have no finish, but they naturally resist rust and corrosion. With regular cleaning, a stainless barrel will last just as long (if not out-last) a CMV or Melonite-treated barrel.

What is the twist rate of AR?

Twist rate refers to how frequently the rifling completes one full rotation. AR twist rates vary from 1:12, down to 1:7. A barrel with a twist rate of 1:7 completes one full rotation every seven inches. We recommend sticking with a 1:7 or 1:8 twist rate. These rates will reliably handle the most common 5.56 and .223 loads (55-, 62-, and 77-grain).

What are the parts of an AR stock?

There are four “classes” of stocks for AR-type rifles, so you need to make sure that the stock mounting parts (receiver extension tube, recoil spring, and buffer) are compatible with the butt stock you want to use.

What do I need to mount a butt stock?

To mount the stock, you’ll need to make sure you have the receiver extension (buffer) tube, buffer, recoil spring, receiver plate and locking ring installed. Read on to make sure that these parts, sometimes known as the mounting kit, are compatible with your butt stock of choice.

What stock does Magpul use?

Magpul offers versions of the MOE fixed stock for A1, A2 and Carbine configurations. It’ll give you additional sling loop and quick attach options over the original along with a rubber buttpad and internal storage compartment.

Do AR pistols need buffer tubes?

Remember at the beginning when we talked about the four types of buffer tubes and stock sizes? Well, if you’re building a pistol, add to the list. A classic AR pistol also needs a buffer tube to make it work, and you’ll find variances there too.

Is the pistol grip good?

Technically, it eliminates that evil pistol grip that seems to upset so many for no good reason. State laws are changing, so be sure to check with your local situation to see if this is a viable option for you.

Can you change the size of an AR rifle?

That allows the length of pull, and overall rifle length, to be instantly adjusted. You can change the “size” of the AR rifle to fit most any shooter. Also, the adjustable stock helps when we’re wearing heavy clothes. You can shorten the stock a bit so the rifle still fits properly.

Is VLTOR a good butt stock?

Yes, VLTOR gets another entry on the list, as will Magpul in a second. Both of these companies make some excellent butt stock options. I love a couple of things about the IMOD. First, the waterproof battery compartments (right and left sides) make smooth and wide cheek weld areas.

What spares can you use in an emergency?

The spares you might be able to use in an emergency, or without extensive tools. A complete bolt, extra extractor, pin and o ring. Firing pin, cotter pin, gas rings.

Can you use a firing pin as a disassembly tool?

Firing Pin. They hardly ever break, but again, they aren’t expensive and they don’t take up much room,. Besides, you can always use the spare firing pin as a disassembly assistance tool. Oh, and the firing pin should have its own cotter pin, too, or maybe two.

Does Magpul hold bolts?

If it is going to do you any good, it has to be right there, so the Magpul pistol grip designed to store a bolt is a must-have. The bolt must be headspaced to that rifle (and if you have more than one rifle, make absolutely sure the spare stays with the tested rifle), fully-assembled and test-fired.

Do you need a stock for a buffer tube?

If you have a commercial buffer tube you will need a commercial stock and if you have a mil-spec buffer tube, a mil-spec stock is what you need. With that in mind, you can put your thoughts to some particulars for the right stock to complement the buffer tube.

Do AR15 stock work?

Partly associated with the weapon’s purpose, some AR15 stocks will work on a particular length really well and be a poor performer on others. This is even true with adjustable stocks. This is also relative to the user, and adjustable (collapsible) stocks offer the best versatility for a variety of users.

Is collapsible stock legal?

Some stocks (specifically colla psible stocks) are not legal in some places, so wherever you are, this matter needs to be looked into. The stock may be the perfect one but it may not be legal where you are – bummer.

Can you get the AR-15 manual for free?

If there’s anyone that knows the AR-15 platform, it’s the US military. As a special offer for our readers, you can get the Official US Army Manual for AR-15/M4/M16 right now – for free. Click here to snag a copy.